Smarter Firmware Updates

Let me agree to terms and conditions—a tiny 1K file transfer—before downloading the whole software update. Then once the update downloads it can roll into an install without me having to push some stupid buttons on the controller.

Automatic Downloaded-Game Installation

We're really still manually installing most game and demo downloads? Seriously? No, seriously?

Real Keyboard Support

The PS3 "supports" a mouse and keyboard. But keyboard support is still not functional or assignable in most games. Some middleware solutions would be nice here, Sony. I should be able to play anything on a mouse and keyboard by mapping SIXAXIS/DualShock3 buttons.

In-Game Web Browsing

OK, so here's an instance where we can access the XMB while in a game, but we can't really access it. Because you can't browse the web while in a game. I'd love the option to look up walkthroughs...err...hints and tips without going to the computer.

Controllers Don't Charge Without PS3 "On"

Why do I need to leave on my entire PS3 to charge one controller? A firmware update could program the USB portion of the console to stay powered on while charging like, say, the Xbox 360.

PS Home

Oh, I haven't forgotten. Though I'm becoming more bored by this once novel concept every day it doesn't appear.

Account Management

Let's just stick all those account management menus into the PlayStation Store. That way if I need to make changes to my account (something that would probably be prompted by a transaction at the PS Store), I don't need to revisit dead gray screen land.

Background Folding@Home

I'm as lazily, unconsciously altruistic as the next guy, so work with Stanford to make Folding @ Home even better. Let me use it as a background process for when I'm just hanging out on the dashboard, or browsing the PS Store. I know that playing some MP3s doesn't use all of the PlayStation 3's power, so let's use some of that extra number crunching to cure the world, or whatever.

Screengrabs

Any game, any time, I want to be able to perform a screengrab. I want to then be able to save the screengrab to my photo library or message it to a friend. This software technology has long been figured out, and it'd be nice to have for showing everyone how awesome I am all the time.

Lower Power Standby

The PS3's primary standby mode is super low energy. But if you want to access Remote Play (XMB, pictures, etc) through the PSP, it's suddenly sucking as much power as five refrigerators just sitting there. Surely there is a clever way that the PS3 can be activated through an SMS or email system that would make it more eco-friendly than just being on all the time. Remote Play is not something I'll use every day. And because of that, I've turned off the function completely—which is a shame because it's a pretty incredible idea.

It's not that the latest firmware update is bad; it's that the whole interface is so pleasurable to use and packing so much customization (for a console) that the rough spots can stand out even more. Come on, Sony, let's make the PS3 unbelievable.

[Kotaku, Playstation Blog]

As has been reported on many gaming blogs and websites, we have temporarily taken Firmware v2.40 offline. We’ve received a limited number of calls from consumers experiencing an issue with installing the system software update on their PS3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to providing the PS3 community with XMB access features delivered in the v2.40 update. We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up.

We’ll provide further information as necessary here on the Blog.

Seriously though, any problems to report? (Suckers?) [PlayStation Forums via Maxconsole]

The key difference is that while Nintendo's globe is fun enough to use, it's essentially just spinning around a cartoon. The PS3's globe will not only be displayed in a far higher resolution (1080p we're guessing), but it will feature a global weather satellite image. So instead of just seeing the forecast, users will be able to see the weather.

In addition, clicking on regional news will load up a webpage, which some are interpreting to mean that Sony is more open to their news content partners than Nintendo's closed system.

And then the globe will go one step further into the future. According to Hirai:

For the primary version the application sticks to the present time but in the future we plan to build a system that can visually present stored photos and movies according to their recorded time and place, allowing users with their friends and family to enjoy the visuals in chronological order.

As usual, I'm sure it makes for a beautiful tech demo. But until we get a firm release date, it's just another PlayStation Home. [Kotaku and PCWorld]

June 26, 2008
Sony Group Corporate Strategy Update FY2008—FY2010*
“To be the leading global provider of networked consumer electronics and entertainment”

Tokyo, Japan – Sony today presented a series of new initiatives designed to build on its previous
three-year revitalization plan and to position the company as the leading global provider of
networked consumer electronics and entertainment. In particular, the company will focus on
strengthening core businesses, enhancing network initiatives and leveraging international growth
opportunities to build for the future and drive further growth and profits. In addition, Sony
announced the following key mid-term goals:

Expand our PC, Blu-ray DiscTM-related products and component/semiconductor businesses
into “trillion yen businesses**,” joining LCD TVs, digital imaging (digital cameras and
camcorders), game and mobile phones and raising the total number of “trillion yen
businesses” to seven.
Ensure that 90% of our electronics product categories are network-enabled and
wireless-capable by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 (“FY2010”).
Roll out video services across key Sony products by FY2010, starting with the summer 2008
launch on the PLAYSTATION®Network.
Double annual revenue from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries to 2 trillion yen***
by FY2010.

* Three-year period ending March 31, 2011
** Businesses each generating 1 trillion yen or more of annual sales to outside customers, except for Blu-ray Disc
related business which includes intersegment sales
*** Includes Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT as allocated

Sony has identified a 5% operating margin as a baseline of profitability to generate cash to
continue to lead and innovate. Furthermore we will target an annual return on equity of 10% by
FY2010. Sony is also planning to allocate a total of 1.8 trillion yen to invest in and build key
businesses and technologies over the next three years.

Highlights are as follows:

Further Strengthen Our Core Businesses

Sony intends to maintain a leading position in its “trillion yen businesses” (LCD TVs, digital
imaging, game and mobile phones) and will focus on expanding its PC, Blu-ray Disc-related
products, and component/semiconductor businesses into “trillion yen businesses” by the end of
FY2010. At the same time, we expect to improve the operations of our TV business significantly
and implement a variety of cost reduction measures to restore that business to profitability in the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2009*, and strive for the global No. 1 position in LCD TVs by
FY2010. Of the planned 1.8 trillion yen investment over the next three years, approximately 900
billion yen will be allocated towards strengthening core focus areas within components and
semiconductors, such as image sensors, batteries, display devices and Blu-ray Disc-related
components.
1/3

Sony is also promoting the concept of “open innovation”, whereby we are looking not only inside
the company, but outside for technologies that foster innovation. By combing Sony’s inherent
technological strengths with external expertise, we aim to accelerate R&D efficiency and enable
the company to effectively respond to rapidly changing customer needs and preferences in the
network era. Through the creation of new user experiences, strengthening core businesses,
driving innovation, and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, Sony will strive to
achieve not only sales volume, but also sustainable and profitable growth.

In the Game segment, the two key drivers of new growth are non-game content and services in
tandem with enhanced network capability. Sony also expects to achieve profitability in this
segment in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009*, a significant year-on-year improvement due
to hardware cost reductions and an enhanced line-up of software titles for PLAYSTATION®3
(“PS3”). Key Game initiatives are:

1. Expand content and services available on the network platform
2. Continue to expand the PS3 customer base through the strength of Blu-ray Disc
3. Accelerate PS3 sales through upcoming key franchise software titles
4. Continue PS3 cost reduction initiatives

* Forecast as of May 14, 2008

Network Initiatives

Sony will increase network and wireless connectivity across its family of devices and build a
service platform to provide a seamless user experience across our key hardware devices and
content. We are planning to expand services that will enable our customers to enjoy content such
as motion pictures and television programming through the network on a variety of Sony
products such as BRAVIATM LCD TVs, PS3, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Walkman® video
music players.

Sony’s unique position in electronics and entertainment allows us to offer compelling network
services. As an example of our potential, this November, Sony Pictures Entertainment will offer
one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer, “Hancock”, exclusively to all internet
connected BRAVIA LCD TVs in the U.S. before it is available on DVD. This film will be
distributed to Sony customers directly to their televisions outside conventional distributors and
without the need for any set-top box. This is an industry first.

Capitalize on Growth in BRIC Countries and Other Emerging Markets

Because Sony believes that the largest growth opportunities exist outside its traditional markets
of Japan, North America and Europe, expanding Sony’s business into new markets is a key area
of focus. New markets in regions including the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China
– are developing quickly, and Sony’s business in these countries is growing rapidly. Going
forward, Sony plans to accelerate business expansion through collaboration and integration, not
just within each of the Electronics, Game and Pictures segments, but across the entire Sony
Group.

Sony will target annual sales of 2 trillion yen in the BRIC countries (including revenues from Sony
Ericsson Mobile Communications and SONY BMG) by FY2010, doubling FY2007 sales with
annual Electronics segment sales alone slated to grow from 600 billion yen to 1.2 trillion yen
during this period.

2/3
Environmental Initiatives - Green Management 2010

“Green Management 2010” is a series of mid-term environmental targets that are guiding the
Sony Group in its efforts to help prevent global warming, recycle resources, ensure appropriate
management of chemical substances and address a broad range of other environmental issues.
Through these initiatives, Sony is striving to achieve an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions, specifically a 7% or greater reduction in CO2 emissions by FY2010 compared to the
level of FY2000.

Financial Strategies for the Mid-Term

In order to generate funds to continue to grow and innovate, Sony has identified a 5 percent
operating margin as a baseline of profitability. Sony is also establishing return on investment
capital as a fundamental framework for evaluating capital investments and potential acquisitions
across the Sony Group to ensure the optimum use of resources. Our targeted investment (an
aggregate of 1.8 trillion yen by the end of FY2010) will put Sony in a position to drive further
growth and innovation over the next three years and beyond. Sony will also target an annual
return on equity of 10% by FY2010. Going forward, we will work to deliver a stable, high level of
profitability while enhancing shareholder value.

The business environment in which Sony operates is changing rapidly and, with the advance in
digital technology and broadband networks, technological innovation is moving at a pace never
experienced before. In order to be a leading company in the digital age, Sony aims to leverage its
unique advantage of producing both hardware and content, continuing to offer cutting-edge
products together with superior content and services to meet the needs and expectations of our
customers.

[Sony and Impress]

Here's what you'll be able to do from the in-game XMB:

* Friend category
* View, send, receive messages
* Manage downloads
* Set the vibration feature of the controller
* Sign in to PlayStation Network
* Register friends
* Manage Bluetooth devices
* Terminate the game
* Music category
* Use the system BGM
* Work the system BGM operation panel
* Settings category
* Assign controllers
* View profiles
* Game category
* Set audio devices
* Use the voice changer

Under the music category, you can play back your own music, though it's not known whether you'll be able to do it with every game or just specific titles that support it. Either way, it'll be nice to finally have some basic functions that sorta should've been there in the first place. [CVG via Kotaku]

I remember an old SNES controller that was one-handed that was perfect for playing RPGs with if your other hand was busy with a burger. This would be just as good when Final Fantasy 13 is finally released in 2012. $129 gets you one, with a portion of the profits going towards children's hospitals and veteran's affairs medical centers. [eDimensional via Kotaku]

The Xbox 360 isn't all that much better, using 23.57kWh per week when idling compared to the PS3's 31.74kWh. The Wii, on the other hand, is downright dainty in comparison, using only 2.97kWh per week when idling, less than 10% of the energy used by the PS3.

It's all a good lesson to simply turn off your console, whatever it may be, when you aren't using it. I'm not one to disparage the good work done by Folding@Home, but if you leave your console cranking away on it all the time you'll spend enough to go out and buy a Wii by the time a year is up. [Choice via GadgetLab]

The piece claims that Sony has Wiimote-like wireless controllers that are used without any nunchuk-like peripherals. Supporting up to four players at a time (3 less than the system's native spec), a 12-inch tripod plugs into a USB port and...does some sort of voodoo with the remotes.

According to the report, Sony had a number of different designs on hand for people to grade on comfort. And they demoed a really incredible paintball game, along with some other minigames. I wonder how well such a system would sell for the PS3 or Xbox 360. Whether or not this particular report proves true, I'm betting we'll know soon enough. [PlayStation Life via Joystiq]

ACTIVISION UNVEILS GUITAR HERO® WORLD TOUR - THE DEFINITIVE ROCK & ROLL MUSIC VIDEOGAMING EXPERIENCE

New State of the Art Wireless Instruments

Innovative Music Studio Lets Players Compose, Record, Edit and Share Music

Biggest Selection of On-Disc Music with All Master Tracks

Robust New Eight-Player "Battle of the Bands" Mode

First Game Ever in the Guitar Hero® Franchise to Allow In-Game Downloadable Content on Wii

Santa Monica, CA - May 22, 2008 - When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® World Tour. The latest installment from the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour will transform music gaming by marrying Guitar Hero's® exhilarating guitar gameplay, with a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes. The game will feature a slick newly redesigned guitar, a genuine electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock and roll anthems, along with online Band Career and 8-player "Battle of the Bands."

Delivering the largest on-disc set list in a music-rhythm game to-date, Guitar Hero World Tour is comprised entirely of master recordings from some of the greatest classic and modern rock bands of all-time including Van Halen, Linkin Park, The Eagles, Sublime and many more. Additionally, the game will offer significantly more localized downloadable music than ever before on all of the next-generation consoles. Budding rock stars will also be given creative license to fully customize everything from their characters' appearance and instruments to their band's logo and album covers.

In addition to a newly designed more responsive guitar controller and microphone, Guitar Hero World Tour will deliver the most realistic drum experience ever in a video game with an authentic electronic drum kit. Featuring three drum pads, two raised cymbals and a bass kick pedal, the drum controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver authentic bounce back and is easy to set up, move, break down and store.

"Guitar Hero has set the standard for music-based gaming and with Guitar Hero World Tour and the game's groundbreaking Music Studio, we are once again delivering unprecedented innovation that has the potential to revolutionize consumer generated music, much in the same way that video sharing hubs have driven user generated video," said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. "With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customization options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever."

Guitar Hero World Tour delivers more ways to play than ever before. Virtual musicians can live out their rock and roll fantasies by playing either a single instrument, or any combination of instruments, in addition to the full band experience. In addition to all of the online gameplay modes from Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero World Tour introduces Battle of the Bands mode which allows eight players to join online and challenge each other band-to-band to determine who is the best of the best. In the Band modes, up to four players can jam together, online or off, as they progress through the game, and in single-player Career Mode, players can jam on any of the instruments in branching venue progression enabling them to rock out in the order of their choice.

The game's innovative new Music Studio lets players express their musical creativity by giving them access to a full compliment of tools to create digital music from scratch, utilizing all of the instruments, and then play their compositions in the game. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes™ where other gamers can download their unique compositions and play them.

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

That's some very clean detailing work for sure. The only catch was that he missed a spot—right under the Blu-ray drive the touch control panel was left glossy black. (Yes, we're total dicks for pointing that out, but the internet is a cruel place, friends.)

Besides, how else would the console properly collect finger grease? [Sony Boards via PS3 Fanboy]

But even though Rock Revolution's drum kit looks like those of its competitors, the game is supposed to offer drummers more flexibility. Beginners can remove the pedal completely to ease the learning curve, and advanced drummers can feel free to fill in extra hits where they feel appropriate without penalty.

Still, we're starting a pool on the company/date that the first 15-button drum kit will hit consoles. Feel free to speculate in the comments. [MTV Multiplayer]

Personally, I'd be fine saving $100 and getting the standard edition bundle, as it has twice the hard drive space and all you have to give up is the fancy paintjob and Blu-ray disc you'll watch once, if ever. But hey, I'm not a fanboy, so what do I know? If you are a fanboy and are popping a tent just imaging having an OMG gray PS3, you'll be able to put in your preorder at Konami.com starting on Monday, May 19th. [Playstation Blog]

[Cell Passion and iLounge via Engadget]

UPDATE: It looks like this one is just software fixes, not GTA IV fixes.

[IGN via Max Console]

[Copyranter and Ads of the World via Gawker]

While Sony's PlayStation 3 has gotten off to a shaky, late start, Sony has always claimed that the console was doing well through Europe (which includes many markets that don't have public sales figures available). And that makes sense, since the PlayStation brand is incredibly strong there—48 million PS2s have been sold there, along with 12 million PSPs.

With this European data in hand, it's looking more and more like the Xbox 360 is an American trend (since their sales in Japan are virtually nonexistent). But Sony still has a good deal more ground to cover before they can claim second place in the console wars, even from the worldwide perspective. [BBC via Kotaku]

TOKYO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
announced today that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for
PLAYSTATION(R)Home in Summer 2008, inviting a further number of registrants
from the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) users. Following completion of the Expanded
Closed Beta test, the PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service will commence in Fall
2008.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO)
"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a
bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to
refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience
than what it is today," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. "Our overarching objective is to provide users
with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home.
Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms
our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation(R)
tradition."
The PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service that will become available in Fall
2008 will be built around providing new and fun community gaming experiences.
Details of the Closed Beta testing features, registration for the test and the
opening of the service will be announced as they become available.

What we do know is that Sony's been hinting at doing video since they unveiled Home back at GDC 2007, but also doing some fancy things like putting video in public places or doing some interesting social networking type thing within Home for video. What we wouldn't give to be able to watch a video with our buddies, online, and have a group chat with our Home avatars. [LA Times via Game Pro]